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New Judges Information

Welcome!

Judging Requirements and Question and Answers
(Please read this document from USAG as it will answer many of your questions about judging.)

You may also go to the Technical Info page of this website.

The following websites - USAG and NAWGJ national websites- have additional information on how to become a judge.
USAG
http://www.usa-gymnastics.org/Story.aspx?tabid=250&prog=w
NAWGJ
www.nawgj.org

To Our New Judges - from Nola Ayres

Hello, as your State Judging Director (SJD) I want to extend a warm welcome to each of you that are considering becoming a Washington State Gymnastic Judge. Our gymnastic community is here to aid and support you. Do not hesitate to contact any of the following board members if you have questions or want assistance. NAWGJ WA Board: Nola Ayres, SJD; Jan Urfer, Barb MacAfee, Lee Bjella, Denise Green SO Rep, Laurie Reid East Rep, and Marge Eilers Seattle Rep. Jan Urfer is our North Rep, fall assigner and is also in charge of the judges directory and memberships. Barb MacAfee spring assigner. Lee Bjella webmaster.

As a board we recommend that you have a mentor; we will assist you with that selection. Mentors are very valuable; they facilitate in your testing preparation, answer questions involving judging issues, and support you throughout your "growing years" as an official. Please contact me for assistance with your mentor. E-mail: nbanola@aol.com

As any organization, we have numerous terms that can be confusing to new judges. The following definitions will help clarify our professional language and assist in your understanding of the different organizations that are involved in gymnastics.

Term definitions:
USAG - USA Gymnastics (our national organization located in Indianapolis)
NAWGJ - National Association Women's Gymnastics Judges, our state NAWGJ WA (nawgjwa.com)
R2 (Region 2) - Washington is in Region 2 (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
RJD - Regional Judging Director, Ann Heppner

Memberships: There are two organizations that you must become a member of before you can be assigned meets. It is also your responsibility to renew your membership to each annually.
USAG: USAG membership dues are $77.00 per year if you join on-line.
NAWGJ: our national judging organization, your membership to NAWGJ is your responsibility, dues are $55.00 annually, first years judges $50.00. As a NAWGJ member you are automatically coverage with one million dollar insurance protections.

Annually judges must maintain what is termed Continuing Professional Education (CPE). We are a professional organization that requires continual education to ensure the highest possible standards; therefore, each judge is required to maintain what is known as CPE.

Professionalism

As officials, we need to pay attention to the following:

A. Preparation. Review your rules and event assignments before each meet. Carefully pack your bag or briefcase to include all the sheets, books, and supplies you need. If you do not feel comfortable judging an event please ask to switch events. The gymnasts score is of upmost importance and it is your responsibility to be prepared to judge the event(s) you are assigned.

B. Appearance. The NAWGJ uniform consists of a navy jacket, navy skirt or pants and white blouse.

C. Behavior at Meets. Do not speak excessively to coaches during the competition. Keep conferences brief, and speak well of all gymnasts, coaches and other judges. Stay at your event until the session is completed. Eat or drink discreetly.

D. Responsibilities. You are responsible for your own judging career - you must keep your required memberships and ratings current and take care of any required financial reporting. (Taxes, etc.) Be a responsible judge: Return contracts promptly, carpool when you can, be prepared for your assignments, and be on time (30 minutes prior to march-in! Please do not hesitate contacting me if you wish more information. I am confident you will find judging a very rewarding and wonderful part time profession.

Best wishes,
Nola

For a few articles to help prepare for testing, go to the national NAWGJ website, Education Corner: http://www.nawgj.org/education_corner.htm

• Preparing for the Test by Cookie Batche  

• The Test, Otherwise Known as “T- Day” by Jim Burton 

• Sleep key ingredient in retaining learning 

• Studying—Without Losing Your Mind (or your life) by Robin Ruegg, RJD Region 4

NOTE: All educational items are offered by NAWGJ as a courtesy to judges to help in the educational process. Note that they are NOT official information and that there are likely to be errors. We appreciate the member judges that have taken the time and effort to share their expertise in this way.